PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Seabirds in the Mediterranean are subject to a range of threats, depending on species and location. However, the most important threats, in terms of conservation, are insufficient knowledge to help protect seabirds in their marine environment; predation by introduced mammals (primarily rats and cats); predation or competition for food and habitat with Yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis); incidental capture and mortality by fishing activities (by-catch); reduced quality of breeding habitats; risk of oil spills and chemical pollution; and over-fishing.
OBJECTIVES
The LIFE project focused on improving the conservation status of Audouin’s gull (Larus audouinii) and Mediterranean shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii), which inhabit the Aegean Sea and Ionian Sea areas of Greece. The aim is to improve breeding performance of national populations of Andouin's gull and Mediterranean Shag by between 20-25% and 10-15%, respectively. The project actions addressed the most relevant threats for the conservation of these two species, namely, rat predation, gull competition and commercial fishing activities that cause accidental bird fatalities. The project sites were uninhabited islets and islands where seabirds breed, the surrounding sea where they feed, and larger inhabited islands where major ports and towns are found. Specific actions at these sites included the complete removal of all rats from five Natura 2000 network sites( Special Protected Area - SPA) island complexes, the modification of fishing gear and/or fishing regulations to reduce accidental trapping problems, and research to improve knowledge concerning Yellow-legged gull control methods. Another objective was the identification of marine Important Bird Areas (IBAs), in order to promote their protection as a necessary step to avoid habitat loss and degradation. These LIFE actions aim to help implement the Birds Directive in the marine environment, as well as address priorities identified in both EU legislation and international action plans.
RESULTS
The project was successfully implemented to the benefit of the 17 most important Natura 2000 network (SPAs) for Audouin’s gull and Mediterranean shag in Greece. For these areas 41 marine IBAs were identified, for inclusion in the Natura 2000 network. Rat eradications were successfully implemented on nine complexes of islets, where up to 51.5% and 16.2% of the national breeding populations of Audouin’s gull and Mediterranean shag reproduce, respectively. These measures improved the breeding success of the target seabird species and also helped restore degraded ecosystems on these uninhabited Greek islets.
Breeding success was also improved by the pilot implementation of control measures to reduce Yellow-legged gull populations, a competitor for food and nesting sites. Control operations were conducted at five colony sites, representing 7-10% and 5% of the national populations of Audouin’s gull and Mediterranean shag, respectively. The project assessed the incidence of by-catch and developed mitigation measures in cooperation with local fishermen. A systematic assessment of seabird by-catch in all main types of fishing gear led to the publication of a report identifying the types of equipment mainly responsible for by-catches of all seabird species of conservation concern in Greece. A list of proposed measures to be implemented to reduce bird fatalities was produced.
An analysis of the diet of Audouin’s gull and Mediterranean shag and a chemical assessment of pollution that affects each species were conducted. The toxicological analysis of target species tissue samples resulted in a report on the levels of chemical pollution and their estimated effects on the target species. Successful awareness-raising, dissemination and environmental education actions were implemented, directed at the general public, local populations near the main habitats, fishermen and local authorities. Key themes of these communications were the promotion of nature conservation and the sustainable co-existence of human populations with the natural environment. Social and economic benefits could derive, for example, from a growth in eco-tourism.
The establishment of a networking system among project beneficiaries led to the effective exchange of information, tools and cooperation among BirdLife partners and related projects on issues regarding marine IBA identification, alien species eradication and island management. Another legacy of the project is the numerous collaborations with academic institutions, NGOs, key stakeholders and authorities, which have promoted project outputs at local, national and international levels.
The main legislative benefits of the project derive from the publication of the inventory of marine IBAs. This included a description of the marine IBA concept, the methods used, the importance of specified threats at each site for both seabird species, and other information of value for habitat management and policy-making. The project achieved a major advance in the study of seabirds and their habitat conservation in Greece. The marine IBA inventory, assessment of seabird by-catch, environmental education material, and other project outcomes, contributed information for the extension of the Natura 2000 network in the marine environment and ensured a better conservation status for the two seabird species.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
